| Kaicee Makes Three |
| Summary: | Kira and Henric were getting to know one another and then Kaicee arrived mid-talks. |
| Date: | 08-26-2014 |
| Related: | None |
| NPCs: | {$npc} |
| Players: |
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| The Firebrand Inn - Firen - Galenthia |
| The Firebrand Inn is one of the more popular places within Firen with a constant flow of patrons looking for a room or just coming in for a tankard of ale or a bowl of stew. A fire burns merrily in the fireplace on all but the warmest of days, lending a cheery glow as well as the warmth and hominess that is appreciated by all. Tables are evenly spaced, allowing for the serving wenches to move about the room easily, and almost always occupied as are the tall stools that sit before the finely-polished bar. Sounds of laughter and conversation rings though the air, lending a festiveness to the atmosphere, and music can also be heard as bards and entertainers often perform, enticing the patrons to join in. From the main room one will find a staircase that leads to the rooms upstairs and a door behind the bar that leads towards the kitchen. |
| 08-26-1865 |
Kira is here, having her supper at the inn rather than the palace. Perhaps that's unusual for a member of the royal family but Kira doesn't seem uncomfortable supping amongst common folks. Rather she lounges rather comfortably before the hearth, generous mouthfuls of wine flowing between her lips to wash down every spoonful of stew.
The Cassomir is kept grounded for now, in respect that he's waiting on orders. So he's out of uniform and dressed down. He's wearing clothes that would suit a lord but not an overly rich one. A leather vest over a shirt and some trousers to match. He's got a dagger at his side but otherwise a sword is absent. He orders an ale and makes for one of the tables, until he spots a familiar looking face. He saw her in the cavalry and he saw her in Lianna's tent, be that it was quickly. He approaches Kira with some curiosity, throwing down a simple, "Evening."
Kira glances up, slowly taking in the young lord before her chin dips in a shadow of a nod. A chair is pushed out, propelled by a less than dainty shove from her dainty, slippered foot. "Good evening," she returns just as simply. Her hand lifts to wave towards a server to bring an extra mug for the pitcher of ale on her table. "Please, sit."
Henric lifts a brow for the thrust of the chair, offering a quiet smirk for it as he settles down once he steps around it. "I suppose that was a yes to the unasked question of if I can join you," he settles down with a roll of his shoulder. "I must apologize. I know you rode with the light cavalry, as I recognize your face, though, not particularly your name. I'm Henric Cassomir," which she may know but now knows officially.
Kira nods slightly, "Kira Romante," She returns rather simply. "I met your… sister? Raelyn? While we traveled. Welcome." She offers, reaching over to fill the mug when the wench brings it. "My cousin speaks well of you Lord Henric, which is high praise if there ever was any."
"Sister, yes," he nods his head for assent to that assumption, "It is well that we meet, officially, for indeed your cousin has vouched that I do so, for he hopes highly of his relationship with you." He can be well spoken when he wants to be. It might be the attire of a lord that's gotten into his blood tonight. A cloak of propriety perhaps. He nods to the filling of a mug, "I value his friendship and am honoured he continues to see me at his side. I would ride by no better a man than him, Lady Romante."
Kira's brow lifts a fraction, "And here I never thought I was notworthy enough to be discussed. I have failed utterly in my goals for myself." She says, deadpan, perhaps sarcastic. "Will you be carrying on with us then? To Alicante after we're through with this city if you stay at his side?"
"Never diminish yourself, for your cousin sees potential where as other cousins he does not. He has hope to have your friendship," Henric does add, plainly enough, drawing a mug toward his lips and taking a good gulp or two. "And sometimes goals that we make for ourselves are often set too high and we need others to help us determine more achievable ones." He offers a smile after he lowers his tankard, "As for me, I shant know where my destination lies until orders are given. If my Lord Viscount would wish of me to extend my duties with him, I would not deny him. It is my duty after all to see to the well fare of your Household, and he is second to the Queen in those that I respect and would serve without hesitation for."
Kira considers the knight for a time in silence, "I don't diminish myself in the least," she corrects without offense. "I simply don't strive to be a figure in… the public eye. It is a simple enough thing isn't it? To simply wish to be? It would be welcome though if you were to join us. My husband is rightly occupied with his lady and I should like to have some company outside of the courting pair." She lifts her glass and takes a sip from it. "Tell me Sir Henric, how do you occupy yourself in your leisure time?"
Henric quips whatever response or retort he might have had for the correction she gives him, having only enough energy in him to offer a small smile - no doubt being chided numerous times by several people over the course of the march to Rook hasn't helped that at all. He does nod to her mention of being simple, a soft exhale of breath that has him sitting back against the chair following the descent of chin. "Spending time with a courting pair can be daunting. I will wait until I hear from the Queen on my directives however." There's some mirth for the last, that she asks of him what he does, "The usual. Spar, train the horses, enjoy a drink with fine company," a toast here for her, "Run a card or dice game, whittle… tell tall tales," he shrugs, "And yourself?"
Kira's takes a slow breath as she looks down into her drink, "To be honest, I have not had much leisure in my life until just now. I really do not know entirely what to do with myself in these moments of quiet." She smiles, if a bit bitterly. "I suppose I like to hunt. Generally to feed myself but it is a thing I enjoyed as well before now." Her befreckles nose twiches a bit. "I like riding as well," She realizes after a pause. "And sparring."
"Now you make it sound as if I have been spoiled, but truly, it is what time on the road affords you, for I am unlanded… at this point, and have little responsibility but to the Queen and her service to occupy me," he takes another moment to enjoy his ale. "It takes time to learn what you can do to occupy yourself," he chuckles, "Or even what you like." He folds his arms loosely over his chest, rather casual considering he's a lord, "I saw your skill in the field. I can tell you are quite the horsewoman. And… a good hand with the sword. Maybe we shall get a chance to spar if I'm to ride along with you."
Kira smiles faintly, "I look forwards to leaving a bruise on that pretty face of yours Sir Henric," she notes with a shadow of amusement allowed into her fair features. "I have had an under privileged life, you will have to excuse me, I am just now becoming acquainted with the pleasures of court. Perhaps you will assist me in coming to know them. I too share your… awkward place inside but outside the circle of privilage. Titled but landless. Regal but indebted. It is a quaint limbo we live in isn't it Sir Henric?" Her grey eyes hold him comfortably. "I did not mean to imply you were spoiled. Forgive me."
"Doubtless you do not need a waster for that," his fingers instinctively run down his clean shaven face, one that was on the softer side and not entirely intimidating as perhaps, his brothers, "A closed fist would suffice." He straightens himself a bit, recalling her cousin nearly did just that. "I will certainly do what I can to aid you, even if your cousin may be the better source. He is courting so quickly after meeting the Lady Tarris after all." An amused chuff of air, not nearly a snort and not half of a laugh, an in between noise. "The lesson to learn is to smile and nod when spoken to, as well as knowing how to dance well. That is a must. Do you know how?" He inquires. "I've been called much worse than spoiled, though it is hardly unwarranted, for my brother's swift promotion. It only seems appropriate that we, his siblings, would benefit from it as well." A grin, "A limbo that is full of surprises."
Kira laughs softly into her cup, "I have never been particularly good at smiling, even when I would benefit from it. Nor have I ever been the sort of courtier to nod along cheerfully. Perhaps that is a lesson that I could learn from you as well. Dancing too… I've never gotten a knack for unless it involves blades in which I could happily dance all night. I must admit the prospect of a bloodless waltz seems to be a bit… low risk. Perhaps you would impart upon me it's merits?"
Kira is sitting at a table, sharing a drink with and speaking to Henric. She's laughing into a mug of ale, he's sitting there with his arm's crossed.
"Your laughter makes you aglow with a warm light," an impish look against his green eyes, though not full heartedly putting the effort into his smile, struggling perhaps to do as much, "so a smile cannot be far off for coming naturally." He leans forward a bit in the chair, staggering his feet apart to get more comfortable in the chair, "Nodding and smiling are the first steps. If you feel comfortable with speaking, then soft flattery is your best route. Telling people the truth is often a receipe for disaster. I fail to learn that even though I speak of it." A finger taps against the mug of ale, "Dancing… the merits of dancing? Uhm," his hand brushes the back of his neck, "It is the way one impresses the other with agility and proof of good up bringing, to dance. It also allows for private conversation. I imagine many an alliance was made upon the swish of pretty feet and furl of dress."
Leaving the docks, Kaicee had been undecided where to go, so in her musing meanderings she had opted for the Inn, the music and the lights attracting her more than the taste of the terrible drink. She would earn a liking for it eventually! Unlike her usual mode of dress, she is wearing a dress of forest green, darker than her eyes for certain. The dress has rows of buttons down the back, the tiny ones that must take ages to fasten, while the front is unadorned, simply forming to her curves without any need for ruffles or lace. The off the shoulder sleeves leave a scar on her arm visible, though most of it disappears beneath the fabric. Slippered feet carry her inside the Inn proper as she closes the door behind her. There is a moment of hesitation as she looks down, remembering what she wears and in her hand she holds two rocks. Looking up, she scans the room for anyone familiar and there are two that surprise her to be seen together her. Wearing an easy smile, not lacking in her usual confidence, she moves to approach the table, though she stops at a servant and places her own order to be delivered wherever she finally sits.
Kira is not, clearly one that is used to flattery herself, or any degree of flirting. Her cheeks, that fair pink hue, turn pinker easily at his words. "But I do like telling the truth… as uncomfortable as it is. So much easier isn't it? Than dueling with words?" She loks down a moment. "I'm sorry… too long away from court, it's a thing I should have learned but didn't. Perhaps that's why I am not better positioned… no dance skills." She sighs, perhaps sarcastically, as if that is all and not her parent's alliance with the Thorn. She pauses as she spots her 'cousin's' arrival, her fair hand lifting towards Kaicee. "Lady Kaicee.. it is good to see you again," She greets quietly. "I understand you know Sir Henric?"
Henric is hardly laying it on thick, just a simple compliment to her laughter. Regardless, he cannot help but watch the blush, for how easily it sweeps across her face. It is natural for him to indulge in it, yet not remark of it. "The truth hurts and more often than not a courtier would like to hear the lie complimenting their mask than the truth that reveals them," he rolls a shouler almost uncomfortably at admitting to that, "Duels are daily occurances at court. It is why tend to prefer standing behind a Lancer helm at court." He reaches across the table and taps her chin as she looks down, "Do not apologize for what wasn't in your control. There are many years in which you can learn an adapt to what your life will become." He pulls his finger back almost as soon as it touched her, "I'm not profoundly great myself with the dance, though I could show you the basics, if there aren't any other options." His eyes follow Kira's look, toward Kaicee. A blink for her her 'dress' … and his eyes roaming, because, well, he's only ever seen her in tunics or armor. "What's the occasion?" he offers a stupid look to her, as if confused.
After being beckoned, Kaicee leaves the server with whom she had placed her order and approaches the table, the smile she wears is rather pleasant. Her hairstyle is sort of wind swept having been near the beach, but tousled, not tangled. While Henric speaks to the lady, his squire remains back until he has lifted his attentions, not wanting to interrupt what she interprets as a private moment. Only after he has addressed her does she turn a random shy smile his way and lifts a shoulder. "Compliments of my mother. She told me at seventeen she still has a say in what I wear, at times, and to remind myself I am a lady as well, I was to wear a dress for the full day." Giving Kira a look, she crinkles her nose playfully. "Romante mothers. You know how they are."
Kira may have had another retort but Henric's offguard at Kaciee's attire instead seems to light her with a quiet amusement. Her amusment though fades a bit at Kaicee's words, after all, her mother was killed when she was 12. "I barely remember." She notes, a bit of ice in her tone. "But please, do join us. Sir Henric was reminding me of all the nuances of court life I have unfortunately been missing all of these years. I do, Sir Henric, have plenty of time to adapt, you are correct. Your lessons I hope will smooth over some of the gaps."
The reaction to Kaicee's mother's insistence on wearing a dress drives the man to drink. And right when she speaks of being seventeen he gulps down ale the wrong way and sputters a little, managing to hold it all in but coughing after the swallow nevertheless. He pounds the table once for the choking cough and then brings an arm to his lips, gasping he drags his sleeve across his mouth. "I apologize, excuse me," cough, cough cough. His face went completely red and his tears watering. He recovers but it'll be well after, with Kaicee joining them an Kira speaking of her mother and hopes of well learned lessons. "Ugh,… damn that hurt," he takes a few more moments to clear is throat. Only then does he offer, "Your mother is here? Does that mean I get a royal inquisition soon for taking you on as my squire?" A sly smirk, that fades for Kira's sake, "I live to serve, Lady Kira. If I may make it easier for you to get acquainted with court life yet again, I shall be honoured to aid you."
If Kaicee hears or notices the iciness in her cousins tone, the only reaction she gives is a slight tightening of the stones she holds in one hand, the grip holding true even as she slips casually and gracefully into an empty seat to the side as not to disrupt the two. "Thank you for the offer, I have ordered something already, it should be here presentl…" And there it is, a goblet of wine and a small bowl of strawberries, the stems already removed. "Court life," the words escape on a weary sigh, though there is amusement in her tone as she utters them. "I avoid it whenever I can." Using her free hand, she straightens her skirts around her legs modestly, her posture straight enough to make her mother proud. Transferring one of the two stones to her free hand now, she begins rolling them around in her hands.
Eyes widen when Kaicee realizes Henric was truly choking on his drink and just as she was about to rise to pat his back, he speaks and she settles once more, though on the edge of her seat, giving him a concerned if wary look. "My parents and brothers all live in Firen. I was raised here." Tilting her head to the side, she shakes it marginally. "No, you are a Royal Lancer, they know my own wishes in regards to being a Lancer. You can speak to them if you want, but I warn you my little brothers are highly inquisitive and you would be deterred from your duties for the foreseeable future." Of course she was exaggerating, though there is a genuine fondness in her voice as she speaks of her family.
Kira sits up a bit straighter, "I would like to meet your family sometime Lady Kaicee, before we go on to tour the Viscount's county." She looks down over her bowl, perhaps a bit self consciously. Her hands fall upon her lap and she takes a practiced breath, "You are very fortunate to have your family about you cousin. And you as well Sir Henric." Slowly her plain features cool, drawing on that still mask of detatchment, "Will you be attending the tourney also Lady Kaicee?"
Henric should know this! Really, but chalk it up to being preoccupied with the Broken Lances an all other sorts of matters. It wasn't as if the two really had that much time to be acquainted. Just a month. Some things took longer than that to come about in conversation. "I would rather not," he assures, "I remember when my mother used to take pointed interest in the women that my elder brothers were trying to court. I wouldn't want to be there, quite yet, regardless if it would just be practice for you are but a squire. Your brothers, now, they might be easier to deal with." A half measured wink, as his attention reverts to Kira, to whom he watches sit up straighter and hears the implication of him being fortunate for family. "It is but I and my three siblings left, Lady Kira. The war took many…" he turns a look down to his ale and glares at if, as if it would betray him again as he takes another long swig.
"You are more than welcome to meet them, though I suspect at least my parents and not my brothers you may have already met before. My father is Sir Roman Romante and my mother, Serah, was born to a vassal house of Tarris." Kaicee offers with a warm and reminiscing smile. "I offer you the same warning of my brothers, they are quite.. boisterous in their curiosity." A solemn nod is given, even as her lips curve into an understanding smile. "I realize how fortunate I am, my lady." As for the tourney, she transfers her gaze to Henric. "I will not know until he tells me where I am going next." The smile falters when he mentions not wanting to meet her family, though his reasoning brings a rather serious look to her young features. "You are not trying to court me." Said dead-pan. Placing the two stones on the table, she reaches for her wine and a strawberry, taking a bite of the sweet fruit then following it with a drink of the wine. His mention of his family is met with only silence, since he was talking to Kira, she affords them the privacy to continue their conversation prior to her arrival without interrupting with input of her own.
Kira looks across the table to Henric, an iron hardness in her eyes. "Yes it did." She says simply before she refills their mugs when he sets his down. Her gaze holds on Henric for a moment before softening and tilting towards Kaicee, "I am not bothered by rambuncious creatures. I had brothers once myself."
Talk too much. Talk too much. Those words grind his tongue to a halt as the other two speak on, as it would seem once again, saying too much has implied far more than he ever intended. His eyes flash to Kaicee, "No. I'm not. I was just referencing how mothers can be, granted, poorly." A hand rubs up his face and down it, shaking his head loosely his eyes catch Kira's look. Evidently the charmer has lost his touch. A glance between the serious faced Kaicee an the hardness in Kira's eyes really deflates his efforts. He just decides to drink and refill his mug.
At the mention of not being deterred by the liveliness, Kaicee looks up at her cousin from the wine and berries and smiles. "Then hopefully we can get together with them before any departures." Finishing off the strawberry with another drink of the wine, she watches Henric a moment even as he responds to her. Both eyebrows lift and she smiles with lips already becoming stained with the berries and wine, as she looks at him with something of a challenge to his response. It is likely unreadable, though there is something there, being said. Reaching for another strawberry, she begins the process again, though slides the bowl towards the center of the table so the others may partake.
Kira is in her own way, used to this. She presses on a smile and lifts her mug to her lips, draining it's contents. She looks down upon the berries thoughtfully and then to those at the table in consideration. "Where do you go when you wish to escape the public eye Sir Henric?" She asks quietly.
No! Don't make him talk more! Henric was doing so well in avoiding conversation now by making sure the tankard was lifted to his lips and he was drinking heavily from it. As if god would get him through this with every pointed swallow. His eyes slip over the rim of the tankard as he starts to pull it away from his lips, earning that challenging look that is cryptic like most things women do. He shifts a little, letting his attention wander naturally toward some point of distraction, be it on the walls behind Kira's head, or the other people settled at tables, or the crackle of firewood. Yet all is lost when he has to revert his attention and speak of places to escape, the question catching him off guard for the fact that it was unlikely to ever be asked of him, her pointed curiosity to such details of his person earning a sincere answer, "The woods."
Another nibble on the berry followed by a deeper drink from the wine and Kaicee falls almost as silent as her Romante cousin does, intending to listen more than anything else at the moment. The hour does grow later, yet she makes no moves to go. Not yet. Her fruit and drink are demanding her attention and she is all too happy to loan it a few of her senses. Taste, smell and touch are certainly focused there, though sight and hearing are focused more outward to listen in on a conversation that never comes. The two word response is reminiscent of the Tekar and her lips twitch in amusement. Having mercy, she moves to something less personal and less fraught with possible hazards. "Where will we be traveling from here, Sir Henric?"
Kira nods and looks down at her empty glass before rising, "Shall we then? Kaicee, you don't mind getting mucky do you?" She waves her hand to one of the serving wenches, "Put some ale in a skin will you?" Some coin spills out of her purse and onto the table, persumably for both what has been consumed and what will be. "I enjoy the forest myself… my last guardian lived well away from the city, where the air doesn't smell at all like the stink of people."
"I'll be meeting with the Queen in the morning," this to Kaicee, clearly, "we've had to wait and be patient while more important matters are put in advance of such simple things as personal directives." He grits his teeth again, for spilling too much out of that blasted mouth of his. He fills up the hole again by another long fluid drink. A brow raises fro Kira's words, "You would like to go now?" Hey that could be an adventure, which certainly shows on the impish curl of his lips, helping with the cost by adding his own coin and pushing some back toward Kira.
"I.. " Kaicee looks surprised, uncertain, where usually she seems so confident of her place, at the moment that is not there. She looks as young as she is and she remains seated for the moment. "I would not presume to.." To what? What was her objection? "I had no wish to interrupt your evening with Sir Henric, nor his with you. Having finished her wine, she reaches for the stones, though holds them both in hand as she also pays for her own, out of habit more than anything. A nod is given to Henric and finally, even she rises. "Should I be present for the meeting?"
Kira nods to Henric, "Why would I wish to wait? You must know the closest retreat from the city." She looks over Kaicee and shakes her head, "You aren't interupting Lady Kaicee. I just… wish to be else where, away from these civilized trappings. You're more than welcome to liberate yourself as well."
Convinced, very easily, Kaicee nods more concisely, "Me too," she whispers with relief. Being back in Firen among her family was lovely, but rules, expectations, demands.. "Thank you, thank you, Lady Kira." Dress and slippers and all, she snatches up the remaining strawberries and proceeds to follow behind her only marginally older cousin.